2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report August 2021 Authors: Amy Slack (Surfers Against Sewage) Sally Menna Turner (Salthub) Executive Summary

2021 Citizen science Brand Audit Report August 2021 Authors: Amy Slack (Surfers Against Sewage) Sally Menna Turner (SaltHub) Executive summary

Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) launched its flagship week of the Million Mile Clean from 11th May - 23rd May. As part of this event, volunteers took part in a national brand audit, an important citizen science programme to drive corporate behaviour change. 2021 citizen science As the UK’s biggest coordinated beach clean event, over 50,000 For the Dirty Dozen companies, 52% of items would be captured through volunteers took part in 600 cleans, covering 350,000 miles in total an ‘all-in’ Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) design. Over 80% of coca-cola’s brand audit over the Million Mile flagship week. Of these volunteers, 3,917 walked packaging, the top polluter, is estimated to be captured through this scheme. report and cleaned 11,139 miles of beaches, rivers, mountains and more, 63% of all items monitored as part of the brand audit were unbranded. submitting 377 brand audit data sets. A total of 26,983 items of Cigarette butts were by far the biggest contributor at 25% of the packaging pollution were monitored as part of the brand audit. 01 Executive summary unbranded items. Although receiving considerable attention over the The top 12 most polluting brands were responsible for 48% of all last 18 months, PPE only accounted for 2.5% of all pollution monitored 02 introduction packaging pollution monitored during the audit. There was little change through the audit. Whilst clearly an emerging threat, it is important that 03 Polluting brands in the most polluting brands of 2021 compared to 2019 results with this should not distract from the significant amount of pollution caused Coca-Cola, Walkers, McDonalds, Cadbury, Tesco, Lucozade, Costa by brands and their parent companies. 04 the dirty dozen Coffee, Mars Wrigley and Haribo all making repeat appearances. This year’s brand audit shows that little has changed in terms of those 05 Polluting products This year’s Dirty Dozen companies were responsible for a massive 65% responsible for the pollution on beaches, rivers, streets and countryside. of all branded items collected. Coca-Cola once again took the top spot Despite the corporate promises and commitments made, the plastic 06 The potential for a with Pepsi-Co holding on to the second place. production and pollution tap is still not being turned off. We need Deposit return scheme companies, and their brands, to stop peddling false solutions and The COVID-19 pandemic has seen some changes in the most polluting instead focus on ways to meaningfully reduce packaging production and 07 getting polluters to pay brands and the Dirty Dozen companies. Brands such as Stella Artois pollution and adopt models of reuse and refill. and Budweiser have moved up into the top 12 polluting brands with 08 Unbranded pollution Anheauser-Bush InBev moving from eight to third in the Dirty Dozen And we need to see governments introduce policies that are proven companies ranking. This is likely to be due to the closure of pubs, bars to prevent pollution reaching the ocean. We need a Deposit Return 09 impact on the environment and restaurants increasing personal alcohol consumption in public Scheme (DRS) that captures all sizes of containers of as wide a range of 10 region & area trends recreational settings during lockdowns. materials as possible, not one limited to only ‘on-the-go’ containers. We need to stop the dither and delay and get on with introducing an ‘all-in’ 11 the conclusion Looking at the types of items found as part of the brand audit, it is DRS NOW. estimated that almost 30% of all material monitored through the brand 12 our calls audit would be captured by an ‘all-in’ Deposit Return Scheme. Join us to #ReturnToOffender

2 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report EXECUTIVE SUMMARY brand audit key findings

The top 12 most polluting 9,998 branded brands are responsible for items were found 48% of branded 2021 citizen science linked to 328 companies in total, and only 2.5% of pollution overall 26,938 items pollution collected brand audit These brands included... were recorded overall including both was categorised as PPE, despite report branded and unbranded items receiving considerable media attention coca-cola, walkers, over the last 18 months mcdonalds *, cadbury 01 Executive summary An ‘all-in’ drs Tesco, Lucozade, Costa Coffee, Budweiser, would prevent Mars Wrigley, Stella Artois, Haribo* and Aldi, 02 introduction and not much has changed over the past over half of the couple of years 03 Polluting brands reported pollution 04 the dirty dozen from the Dirty Dozen companies 3,913 volunteers collected branded items from 05 Polluting products anheuser-busch 11,139 miles 06 The potential for a inbev for the brand audit Deposit return scheme moved from position 8 in The Dirty Dozen companies 2019 to position 3 in the Dirty Dozen are responsible for 07 getting polluters to pay As one of the world’s largest brewers for beer, an 08 Unbranded pollution Coca-Cola increase in this alcohol brand’s pollution count could Over 65% of all and Pepsico represent how the public have enjoyed outdoor recreational areas during the COVID-19 pandemic branded pollution 09 impact on the environment remained at the top of the Dirty 10 region & area trends Dozen leader board in positions one collected Cigarette butts, miscellaneous plastic and two in years 2019 and 2021 and bottles were found to be the most These included Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, 11 the conclusion This is despite continued promises prolific unbranded items, accounting for Anheuser-Busch InBev, McDonalds*, and commitments to driving progress Mondelez International, Heineken, Tesco, 12 our calls toward plastic waste reduction 48% of unbranded Carlsberg Group, Suntory, Haribo*, Mars and targets and stated ambitions to Aldi. These are all above the threshhold build a circular economy pollution overall for current EPR guidelines

3 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

intro Figure 1 duction shows the number of brand audits submitted across the UK during This report presents the analysis of the brand audit data the Million Mile clean collected at locations across the UK, by volunteers on behalf flagship week of Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) during the Million Mile Clean 2021 flagship week. Volunteers 2021 citizen science submitted Scotland (19 audits) brand audit The flagship week of the Million Mile Clean 2021 ran from 11th - brand audit 23rd May 2021 with over 50,000 volunteers walking and cleaning data from report 350,000 miles. Of these volunteers, 3,913 took part in the UKs biggest Beaches, coordinated brand audit covering 11,139 miles of local beaches and rivers, other public recreational spaces across the UK. The brand audit is 01 Executive summary North East (18 audits) streets, part of SAS’s national programme of citizen science research 02 introduction projects highlighting the major brands and parent companies parks & contributing to the pollution at UK beaches, parks, streets, mountains 03 Polluting brands rivers, mountains and more.

Northern Ireland (3 audits) 04 the dirty dozen 26,983 items of pollution in total, including branded and unbranded items, were identified and submitted. North West (24 audits) 05 Polluting products Yorkshire (6 audits) The subsequent analysis covered two levels of branding: 06 The potential for a 1. The brand of the product, and brand audit Deposit return scheme Data from 3,913 West Midlands (9 audits) East Midlands: (11 audits) 2. The parent company which owns the brand (where applicable), defined as the main brand of a company volunteers was 07 getting polluters to pay submitted from or organisation which supports product or service 08 Unbranded pollution subsidiaries by sharing its identity. 377 individual Wales (29 audits) Eastern England (15 audits) cleans across 09 impact on the environment All products were categorised into product-type which the uk enabled the subsequent classification of all branded and 10 region & area trends unbranded items. Together they recorded This report identifies the Dirty Dozen companies at the 11 the conclusion 26,983 items South East (69 audits) source of the pollution chain and the breakdown of of pollution 12 our calls polluting brands. In addition, the mapping of the items South West (129 audits) against their product categories established the likely impact that

an ‘all-in’ Deposit would have on pollution found in the environment. Channel Islands (2 audits)

4 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report Polluting Brands

26,983 items of pollution were collected in the brand audit in Figure 3 total, including branded and unbranded items. Shows how the top polluting brands have changed between 2019 and 2021 2021 citizen science Out of the total number of items found, 9,998 were identified as branded and linked to 327 known brands. Of these, the top 12 brands were 2019 2021 brand audit identified as responsible for 48% of branded pollution overall. 1 Coca-Cola - 1 Coca-Cola report Figure 2 shows the top 12 polluting brands identified from all collected 2 Walkers - 2 Walkers items by volunteers. Top brands included Coca-Cola, Walkers, McDonalds, 3 Cadbury 1 3 McDonalds 01 Executive summary Cadbury, Tesco, Lucozade, Costa Coffee, Budweiser, Mars- Wrigley, 4 McDonalds 1 4 Cadbury Stella Artois, Haribo and Aldi, the number of items of pollution collected 02 introduction 5 Nestlé 16 5 Tesco and the percentage of pollution across all brands found. Coca-Cola items were identified over three times more than some of the other top 6 Lucozade - 6 Lucozade 03 Polluting brands polluting brands. 7 Mars-Wrigley 2 7 Costa Coffee 04 the dirty dozen 8 Haribo 3 8 Budweiser Figure 2 9 Tesco 4 9 Mars-Wrigley 05 Polluting products Shows the top polluting brands and the number of items collected 10 Pepsi 18 10 Stella Artois 06 The potential for a Coca-Cola - 962 11 Heineken 11 11 Haribo Deposit return scheme Walkers - 694 12 Costa Coffee 5 12 Aldi McDonalds - 530 07 getting polluters to pay

Cadbury - 420 Figure 3 shows that the top two top polluting brands have not changed 08 Unbranded pollution Tesco - 325 position for two years years. This is despite both brands publicising their Lucozade - 319 sustainability vision which includes making packaging 100% recyclable 09 impact on the environment Costa Coee - 297 globally by 2025 and Walkers even launching the UK’s first nationwide 10 region & area trends Budweiser - 280 Crisp Packet Recycling Scheme in 2018 announcing ‘hundreds’ of public 1 Mars-Wrigley 265 collection points across the UK to enable re-use. 11 the conclusion

Stella Artois 256 Whilst the pandemic may have impacted the popularity of a certain 12 our calls Haribo - 245 brand or product type, it is clear that there are familiar brands appearing Aldi - 219 consistently year on year as top polluters and still not enough is being

1 A free and simple way to recycle Walkers crisp packets [online] www.walkers.co.uk. Available at done to address this at the source. www.walkers.co.uk/recycle [Accessed 13.07.2021] 5 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report POLLUTING BRANDS

Figure 4

Shows the spread of the

polluting brands across %

all branded pollution 4

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alkers 5% b r @Coca-Cola

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Scotland: Coca-Cola @McDonalds g b 4%

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r i report @Tesco a @Lu 3% t cozade n @Costa u @Budweiser d l @M Co ee 3% @Stella Artois ars W l s @H @Aldi 3% 01 Executive summary : aribo rigley o North East: Coca-Cola 3% p 5 2 3% 2 02 introduction Northern Ireland: Coca-Cola % 3% 1 2% 2% p 03 Polluting brands t o Yorkshire: Rizla North West: Coca-Cola 04 the dirty dozen

05 Polluting products

West Midlands: Coca-Cola East Midlands: Aldi 06 The potential for a Deposit return scheme

Eastern England: Red Bull 07 getting polluters to pay

08 Unbranded pollution

Wales: Walkers 09 impact on the environment 10 region & area trends South East: Coca-Cola South West: Coca-Cola 11 the conclusion Figure 5 Shows the most prevalent brand 12 our calls of pollution found per uk region

Channel Islands: Coca-Cola

6 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report The dirty Dozen

Many of the brands submitted through the brand audit were Data obtained from 2019 revealed that Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have owned by larger conglomerates with broad brand portfolios. continued to occupy positions one and two in Dirty Dozen in 2021. These companies have a direct influence over the operations of Interestingly AB InBev has moved up from position eight in 2019 to 2021 citizen science its subsidiaries. position three in 2021. This is likely to be due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting closure of pubs, bars and restaurants increasing brand audit Branded items were mapped to their parent companies, where personal alcohol consumption in public settings. report applicable. Figure 6 shows that the top 12 companies, the ‘Dirty Dozen’, were responsible for over 65% of all branded pollution collected. Figure 7 01 Executive summary Breaking this down further revealed that the top three most polluting Shows how the ‘Dirty Dozen’ have changed between companies were responsible for over 33% of all branded pollution 2019 and 2021 02 introduction found: Coca-Cola; PepsiCo; and Anheuser-Bush InBev (AB InBev). The top three of the Dirty Dozen, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and AB InBev, were 2019 2021 03 Polluting brands responsible for over 33% of all branded pollution found. 1 Coca-Cola - 1 Coca-Cola 04 the dirty dozen

Figure 6 2 PepsiCo - 2 PepsiCo 05 Polluting products Shows the top three dirty dozen across all pollution 3 Mondelez 2 3 AB InBev 06 The potential for a 4 McDonalds - 4 McDonalds Deposit return scheme s (3,472) 5 Nestlé 8 5 Mondelez 07 getting polluters to pay All other branded item 6 Suntory 3 6 Heineken 08 Unbranded pollution 7 Mars 4 7 Tesco 09 impact on the environment Coca Cola, PepsiCo and (3,293) 8 AB InBev 5 8 Carlsberg Group 35% 33% Anheuser-Busch InBev 9 Haribo 1 9 Suntory 10 region & area trends 10 Heineken 4 10 Haribo 11 the conclusion 11 Tesco 4 11 Mars 32% Rest of the Dirty Doze 12 our calls n (3,233) 12 AMS Sourcing N/A 12 Aldi

7 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report THE DIRTY DOZEN

Figure 8 Shows the spread of the Dirty Dozen across all branded pollution collected

2021 citizen science

o brand audit

t report

h 16%

r 01 Executive summary

: 02 introduction

3 03 Polluting brands

5 9% @Coca-Cola

% epsiCo 04 the dirty dozen @P 05 Polluting products @AB InBev @McDonalds 8% 06 The potential for a

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8 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report THE DIRTY DOZEN

What makes up the Dirty Dozen?

The following figure shows the detailed breakdown of brands for all items falling within these top three parent companies and the categories of the types of pollution submitted as part of the brand audit.

Figure 9 Shows the brands and categories within the top 3 dirty dozen 2021 citizen science brand audit Coca-Cola PepsiCoPepsico ABAB inbevinbev report

<1% Smart W 2% 2% 2% 2% ater (31) (71) Smiths (14) (3) Other brands Dr Pe ther brands pper (30) (18) Becks (18) O 01 Executive summary 4% 3% Other brands Fanta (65) 4% 7Up (55) 6% 02 introduction Budweiser (280) 9% Fosters (116) 14% Monster (140) 9% Pepsi (84) 03 Polluting brands Coca-Cola (962) Walkers (694) 34% 19% 19% 04 the dirty dozen (297) 61% Costa Co ee 78% Corona (159) 31% Stella Artois (256) 05 Polluting products 06 The potential for a Deposit return scheme coca-ColaCoca-Cola Pepsico AB inbev Categories Categoriestegories tegories Categories 07 getting polluters to pay 1%

4% 9% 08 Unbranded pollution 20% 19% 100% 68% 09 impact on the environment 79% 10 region & area trends

Sports / Energy Sports / Energy Soft Drink (1,067) Food Packaging (708) Drink (143) Drink (7) Alcohol (832) 11 the conclusion Café / Fast Food Water Bottle (59) Soft Drink (180) Brand (297) 12 our calls

9 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report Polluting Products

In order to understand the types of products polluting the environment, As shown in Figure 10, aside from the miscellaneous items submitted pollution was grouped into 16 product categories which were: (ranging from car batteries to tyres), items categorised as Tobacco products were most prevalent which included cigarette butts and 2021 citizen science • Tobacco Product • Store Brand packaging. This was closely followed by the category ‘Drink’, which • Drink (unbranded) • PPE covers all unbranded drink related packaging such as bottle lids, bottle brand audit • Alcohol • Sports / Energy Drink top, plastic cups and bottles. report • Soft Drink • Water Bottle Figure 10 • Toiletries • ClothingFood Brand & Shows the categories of unbranded pollution collected 01 Executive summary • Food Packaging • Dairy Drink 02 introduction • Confectionery Wrapper • Miscellaneous Miscellaneous 20.6% • Fishing Gear • CaféHeal / Fastth Food & Brand Food & Medical Tobacco 15.6% 03 Polluting brands Drink Food & Drink 11.2% 04 the dirty dozen Food & These were then grouped furtherFood into & six parent categoriesDrink which were: DrinkDrink Store Alcohol 8.2% Health & Brand 05 Polluting products Toiletries 7.1% Medical Health & th & 06 The potential for a HealHealth & Medical Soft Drink 6.9% Medical Tobacco Deposit return scheme Medical Food Store Product 6.6% Food & Toiletries Packaging Brand Confectionery Drink PPE Store 5.6% 07 getting polluters to pay StoreStore Brand Wrapper Drink (unbranded) Bran Brandd Fishing Gear 4.3% 08 Unbranded pollution Tobacco MiscellaneousStore Brand th Alcohol& Café / Fast Heal Product 4.1% Tobacco Food Brand MedicalSoft Drink 09 impact on the environment TobaccoTobaccoTobacco Product t Food Packaging Produc 3.8% Produc Productt Store Brand Confectionery Wrapper Clothing 10 region & area trends PPE 2.5% Sports / EnergyStore Drink Miscellaneous Brand Sports / Water Bottle 1.5% 11 the conclusion Brand ClothingMiscellaneous Brand Energy Drink Dairy MiscellaneousMiscellaneous Café / Fast Food Brand Water Bottle 1.3% 12 our calls Clothing Tobacco BrandMiscellaneous Clothing Clothing Brand 0.4% Product ClothingClothingFishing Gear Brand Dairy 0.1% Brand Brand

10 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report Miscellaneous

Clothing Brand POLLUTING PRODUCTS

Fishing gear 2021 citizen science brand audit Pollution report

Fishing gear (Ghost gear) accounts for only 8.6% of all pollution collected at beach locations, despite receiving increased media 01 Executive summary attention over the past year with the release of documentaries 02 introduction including Seaspiracy.

However, with an estimated 640,000 tonnes of lost or discarded gear 03 Polluting brands 2 entering our oceans each year , this remains a key threat to the health 04 the dirty dozen of the oceans, waves, beaches and wildlife. As this material is often lost or discarded at sea, it can be assumed that much of this material will 05 Polluting products remain within the ocean rather than being washed up onto beaches. 06 The potential for a Deposit return scheme

07 getting polluters to pay

08 Unbranded pollution

09 impact on the environment 10 region & area trends

11 the conclusion

12 our calls

2 Fishing’s phantom menace How ghost fishing gear is endangering our sea life. World Animal Protection [online] https://www.worldanimalprotection.org Available at /sites/default/files/media/int_files/sea-change-campaign-tackling-ghost-fishing-gear_0.pdf [Accessed 13.07.2021]

11 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report POLLUTINGEXECUTIVE PRODUCTSSUMMARY

PPE Pollution 2021 citizen science brand audit Notably, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was found to report account for only 2.5% of overall pollution collected within the UK locations cited within the brand audit. 01 Executive summary This is surprising, given that the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased the use of this type of plastic product that can harm the 02 introduction environment and result in significant waste management challenges. In response to high PPE demand among the general public, health care 03 Polluting brands workers, and service workers as the pandemic started, single-use face mask 04 the dirty dozen production in China soared to 116 million per day in February 2020, 12 times more than previously required.3 05 Polluting products

The World Health Organization had also reported a 40% escalation of 06 The potential for a disposable PPE production.4 It has been estimated that if the global Deposit return scheme population were to use one disposable face mask per day after lockdown ended, the pandemic could easily result in 129 billion face masks and 65 07 getting polluters to pay billion gloves per month being consumed and subsequently disposed of, which is shocking.5 It’s now been over a year since the start of the pandemic 08 Unbranded pollution and reports do indeed reflect increased observations of PPE at cleanups 09 impact on the environment 10 region & area trends

11 the conclusion 3 F. Bermingham, S.-L. Tan, “Coronavirus: China’s mask-making juggernaut cranks into gear, sparking 5 J. C. Prata, A. L. Patrício Silva, T. R. Walker, A. C. Duarte, T. Rocha Santos, Environ. Sci. Tech. (2020), fears of over-reliance on world’s workshop,” South China Morning Post (2020); [online] www.scmp.com [online: pubs.acs.org] 54, 7760, Available at: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.est.0c02178 12 our calls Available at www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3074821/coronavirus-chinas-mask-making- [Accessed: 27.06.2021] juggernaut-cranks-gear [Accessed 13.07.2021] 6 Assessing PPE Pollution’s Impact on the Ocean, MARCH 30, 2021, [online] oceanconservancy.org 4 Shortage of personal protective equipment endangering health workers worldwide (WHO, 2020). [online] Available at oceanconservancy.org/blog/2021/03/30/assessing-ppe-pollutions-impact-ocean/ [Accessed https://www.who.int Available at https://www.who.int/news/item/03-03-2020-shortage-of-personal- 13.07.2021] protective-equipment-endangering-health-workers-worldwide [Accessed 13.07.2021]

12 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report POLLUTING PRODUCTS

The pollution from the Dirty Dozen that was Figure 11 submitted through the Categories and Parent categories brand audit largely for all of the dirty dozen consisted of the parent <1% Miscellaneous: <1% category ‘Food & Drink’ 2021 citizen science

at over 90%. : 9% rand brand audit e b or st This was made up of the sub-categories Alcohol, <1% report Soft Drinks, Confectionery Wrappers, Café / Fast 9% Food Brand, Food Packaging, Sports / Energy 1% 2% 01 Executive summary

Drinks and Water Bottles. and k 24%

02 introduction Miscellaneous

ater Bottle ater

Store Br Store Almost a quarter of the Dirty Dozen’s pollution W

was from alcohol packaging, cans and bottles, 11% 03 Polluting brands

Sports / Energy Drin Energy / Sports Alcohol

ckaging and a further 24% was that of soft drinks. Pa

food food 04 the dirty dozen

Thismay correspond to increased public use / Café

st F st ood Brand ood

of outdoor recreational spaces during the Confectioner 05 Polluting products COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Soft Drink

13% 06 The potential for a

Wra y y % Deposit return scheme

1 pper 24% 9 07 getting polluters to pay : 15% k 08 Unbranded pollution in Dr 09 impact on the environment Food & 10 region & area trends 11 the conclusion

12 our calls

13 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report POLLUTINGEXECUTIVE PRODUCTSSUMMARY

glass bottle 2021 citizen science brand audit Pollution report

Glass Bottles have just as big an impact on the environment as plastic ones, due to the energy 01 Executive summary required to manufacture it. 02 introduction In addition, the fragile nature of glass means that it can often break when in the environment causing serious 03 Polluting brands risk of injury to both humans and wildlife.Capturing these 04 the dirty dozen products for recycling before they enter the environment is one of many ways in which pollution and waste can 05 Polluting products be reduced.7 06 The potential for a Deposit return scheme

07 getting polluters to pay

08 Unbranded pollution

09 impact on the environment 10 region & area trends

11 the conclusion

12 our calls

7 Brock, A. and Williams, I.D., LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF BEVERAGE PACKAGING (05 Oct 2020) [online: www.gov.uk/defra]. Available at: https://digital. detritusjournal.com/articles/in-press/life-cycle-assessment-of-beverage-packaging/368 [Accessed 13.07.2021]

14 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report POLLUTING PRODUCTS

Figure 12 Shows the most prevalent brands in each parent category

StoreStore BrandBrand TobaccoTobacco ProducProductt FoodFood && DrinkDrink 2021 citizen science 8,497 Items 1,000 Items 323 Items brand audit Ot Coca-Cola her Tesco Other report 11% Walkers Swan Other 8% 33% 26% 33% 37% 01 Executive summary 6% McDonalds 02 introduction 74% 16% 13% 22% Aldi 21% 03 Polluting brands Asda Rizla Benson & Hedges 04 the dirty dozen

05 Polluting products HealHealthth && MedicalMedical 06 The potential for a MiscellaneousMiscellaneous ClothingClothing brandbrand Deposit return scheme 92 Items 71 Items 15 Items 07 getting polluters to pay O Oth BIC ther er Tampax Primark 08 Unbranded pollution

25% Other 30% 27% 09 impact on the environment 35% 39% 33% 10 region & area trends 21% 20% 11 the conclusion 20% 23% 20% National Lottery 8% Slazenger Lego Adidas Pa 12 our calls mpers Durex

15 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report the potential for a deposit return scheme

A Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is a system where consumers pay an up-front deposit on an item (such as a sealed drink), at point 2021 citizen science of purchase, which is redeemed on return of the empty drinks container. In other words, you’re buying the contents, but renting the container, obtaining a deposit back on it’s return. brand audit report This means that high-quality plastic material is kept ‘in the loop’ and In 2018, the Government committed to the introduction of a DRS for is much easier to recycle into different products, reducing the number drinks containers in England, a commitment further set out in the 2019 of new bottles or drinks containers needing to be made from virgin Conservative party manifesto.9 01 Executive summary material.8 DRS systems are a proven way to capture material through a 02 introduction circular system and dramatically increase recycling and reuse. Recycling “We need to work with business to make deposit rates of over 90% are common in well-designed and all-in Deposit return schemes as effective as possible and I 03 Polluting brands Return Schemes. believe an ‘all-in’ model will give consumers the greatest possible incentive to recycle.” 04 the dirty dozen

Michael Gove MP, former Secretary of State for the Environment. 05 Polluting products Primary aims of the proposed Deposit 16th July 2019, Kew Gardens 06 The potential for a Return Scheme are: The powers to implement a DRS are now being set out in the Deposit return scheme Environment Bill currently going through parliament. This scheme looks • Reducing the amount of included drinks container packaging to include Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles, glass bottles, 07 getting polluters to pay ending up as pollutants in the environment and steel and aluminium cans. • Increasing recycling levels for included drinks container 08 Unbranded pollution packaging In 2019 and 2021, consultations on the scope of a DRS in England 09 impact on the environment • Introducing better quality recycled packaging which can be and Wales included consideration of an ‘all-in’ scheme where drinks collected in greater quantities with improved labelling and containers of all sizes would be included; and an ‘on-the-go’ system 10 region & area trends consumer messaging to further promote recycling, moving which would be limited to drinks containers less than 750ml. towards a more circular economy. 11 the conclusion 12 our calls

16 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report DEPOSIT RETURN SCHEME

By categorising brands into product categories, figure 14 29% of total an assessment regarding the likely impact number of items collected from the items collected that an ‘all-in’ DRS might have on prevention dirty dozen that would be covered by as part of the of pollution entering the environment can be an all-in drs made. Looking at material categories, it is 2021 brand audit, assumed that up to one third of the categories equating to 7,857 primarily include items that would be covered DRS Items items of pollution, 2021 citizen science within the scope of an ‘all-in’ DRS. This would (3,394) could have been be considerably less for an ‘on-the-go’ scheme. 48% 52% captured by an brand audit Whilst there is some degree of error as there may be items that are included in material ‘all-in’ deposit report return scheme, categories but excluded from the DRS scope Non-DRS Items and vice versa, analysis of these material (3,132) providing a huge missed 01 Executive summary categories provides a good indication of the opportunity for increasing likely impact an ‘all-in’ DRS would have.10 recycling rates and 02 introduction Figure 15 shows that 73% of all items found decreasing the amount from the top three Dirty Dozen companies of pollutants entering 03 Polluting brands figure 13 the ocean. would be captured through an ‘all-in’ DRS. number of items that would be 04 the dirty dozen The introduction of an ‘all-in’ DRS would have a covered by an all-in drs across all significant impact on pollution from coca-cola pollution collected 05 Polluting products and AB-InBev in particular, capturing 81% and 100% of products respectively. 06 The potential for a

DRS Items Deposit return scheme (7,857) figure 15 Non-DRS Items 29% (19,081 07 getting polluters to pay ) number of items collected from the top 3 dirty dozen that would be 08 Unbranded pollution 71% covered by an all-in drs 09 impact on the environment Non-DRS Items (899) 10 region & area trends 27% 8 What We Waste, April 2021, Reloop, [online] https://www.reloopplatform. 11 the conclusion org/ Available at: https://www.reloopplatform.org/wp-content/ uploads/2021/04/What-We-Waste-Reloop-Report-April-2021-1.pdf [Accessed 13.07.2021] 73% 12 our calls 9 The Conservative and Unionist Party Manifesto 2019, [online: https:// DRS Items www.conservatives.com/our-plan], Available at: https://assets- global.website-files.com/5da42e2cae7ebd3f8bde353c/5dda924 (2,388) 905da587992a064ba_Conservative%202019%20Manifesto.pdf [Accessed: 27.06.2021]. 10 Consultation on Introducing a Deposit Return Scheme in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Second Consultation [online] www.gov.uk/ defra. Available at: www.gov.uk/government/publications [Accessed 17 13.07.2021] Getting polluters to pay

Currently, producers only pay for around 10% of the costs of disposing of their products. The Government is currently considering introducing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme in 2023 that will see producers take responsibility for 100% of the costs of managing, recycling, and disposal of their packaging waste, with higher fees being levied if packaging is harder to reuse or recycle.11 2021 citizen science

Current EPR guidelines state that packaging producers who have a All companies linked with the largest shares of the items found in the brand audit turnover exceeding £2 million must register and meet their waste brand audit have an annual turnover of far greater than £2 million, report packaging recycling and recovery responsibilities which help to: putting them above the de-minimis threshold for companies obligated under the current EPR guidelines. • Reduce the amount of packaging produced in the 01 Executive summary first place It is evident from this report that the vast majority of branded items 02 introduction • Reduce how much packaging waste goes to landfill collected as part of the brand audit are linked to companies obligated under the existing system of producer responsibility. • Increase the amount of packaging waste that’s recycled and 03 Polluting brands recovered12 figure 16 04 the dirty dozen These are in addition to waste duty of care rules all businesses must shows the percentage of the dirty dozen who follow which include methods to: are above the threshold for epr 05 Polluting products

• Keep waste to a minimum by doing everything you reasonably can 06 The potential for a to prevent, reuse, recycle or recover waste (in that order) Deposit return scheme • Sort and store waste safely and securely Above EPR Threshhold 07 getting polluters to pay • Complete a waste transfer note for each load of waste that leaves (6,526 Items) 08 Unbranded pollution your premises 100% • Check if your waste carrier is registered to dispose 09 impact on the environment of waste • Not allow the waste carrier to dispose of your waste illegally 10 region & area trends (and report them to Crimestoppers if this is the case)13 11 the conclusion

11 Policy paper- Environment Bill summer policy statement: (July 2019), [online: www.gov. 12 Producer responsibility regulations, (updated 16 February 2021), [online: www. gov.uk]. 12 our calls uk]. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/draft-environment-principles- Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/producer-responsibility-regulations and-governance-bill-2018/environment-bill-summer-policy-statement-july-2019 [Accessed [Accessed 13.07.2021] 13.07.2021] 13 Dispose of business or commercial waste, (updated 16 February 2021), [online: www.gov.uk]. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/managing-your-waste-an-overview [Accessed 13.07.2021]

18 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report GETTING POLLUTERS TO PAY dirty dozens’ turnover

Many of the Dirty Dozen represent some of the largest companies in the world.

Figure 17 shows the annual turnover of each of the Dirty Dozen for the year 202014. When compared to the amount of pollution collected for each, 2021 citizen science Figure 18 shows that the most polluting companies do not correspond to the highest turnover. brand audit report figure 17 turnover 2020 in usd $ shows the 2020 $0 $25Bn $50Bn $75Bn $100Bn Turnover in USD 01 Executive summary Aldi for the dirty dozen companies PepsiCo 02 introduction AB InBev 03 Polluting brands

Coca-Cola 04 the dirty dozen Mondelez International 05 Polluting products Heineken 06 The potential for a Suntory Deposit return scheme Mars

Carlsberg Group 07 getting polluters to pay

McDonalds 08 Unbranded pollution

Tesco 09 impact on the environment Haribo 10 region & area trends

14 Mondelez Revenue 2006-2021 | MDLZ, (2021), [online: www.macrotrends.net] Available at: https://www. Earnings, (February 12, 2021), [online: www.suntory.com] Available at: https://www.suntory.com/about/ 11 the conclusion macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/MDLZ/mondelez/revenue [Accessed 12.07.21]. Heineken N V reports 2020 financial/pdf/ comment_202012.pdf [Accessed 12.07.21]. HARIBO GmbH & Co. KG, (2021) ,[online: full year results and shares updates on EverGreen strategic review, (2021) [online: www.globenewswire. www.dnb.com] Available at: https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.haribo_gmbh__ com] Available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/02/10/2172786/0/en/ Heineken-N- co_kg.113844e45499ea6f73c7df909b32db62.html [Accessed 12.07.21]. Net sales of the leading 12 our calls V-reports[…]ults-and-shares-updates-on-EverGreen-strategic-review. html [Accessed 12.07.21]. Tesco Net confectionery companies worldwide in 2020, (2021),[online: www.statista.com] Available at: https://www. Income 2006- 2021 | TSCDY, (2021), [online: www.macrotrends.net] Available at: https://www.macrotrends. statista.com/ statistics/252097/net-sales-of-the-leading-10-confectionery-companies-worldwide/ [Accessed net/stocks/charts/ TSCDY/tesco/net-income [Accessed 12.07.21]. Global net revenue of Carlsberg from 12.07.21]. Full Year Results (2021), [online: www.Nestlé.com] Available at: https://www.Nestlé.com/media/ 2012 to 2020, (2021), [online: www.statista.com] Available at: https://www.statista. com/statistics/741358/ pressreleases/allpressreleases/full-year-results-2020 [Accessed 12.07.21] carlsberg-net-revenue-worldwide/ [Accessed 12.07.21]. Suntory Holdings Limited Summary on FY2020

19 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report GETTING POLLUTERS TO PAY

When compared to the amount of pollution collected for each, Figure 18 shows that the most polluting companies do not correspond to the highest turnover.

figure 18 shows the 2020 Turnover vs items recorded for the dirty 2021 citizen science dozen companies turnover 2020 in usd $ brand audit $0 $25Bn $50Bn $75Bn $100Bn report Coca Cola

PepsiCo 01 Executive summary

Anheuser-Busch InBev 02 introduction

McDonalds 03 Polluting brands

Mondelez International 04 the dirty dozen

Heineken 05 Polluting products

Tesco 06 The potential for a Deposit return scheme Carlsberg Group

Suntory 07 getting polluters to pay

Haribo 08 Unbranded pollution

Mars 09 impact on the environment Aldi 10 region & area trends

0 200 400600 8001000 1200 1400 1600 11 the conclusion

Number of items collected 12 our calls

20 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report unbranded Pollution

Unbranded items collected, i.e items where a brand was unidentifiable, were a significant proportion of the pollutants across the locations identified for which a brand audit was completed, exceeding the number of branded items found. The total number of unbranded items was 16,940 (63% of the total of items found!). 2021 citizen science

Unbranded items collected included clothing, straws, sweet wrappers, Of the unbranded items data submitted, cigarette butts, miscellaneous brand audit bottle lids, bottles, plastic cups, fishing gear, nets and ropes, cans, crisp plastic and bottles were found to be most prolific accounting for 48% of report packets, carrier bags, miscellaneous plastic, facemasks, cigarette butts unbranded pollution overall. and wet wipes. 01 Executive summary Figure 19 02 introduction Shows the top 12 most prevalent unbranded item Figure 20 types submitted through the brand audit Shows categories for unbranded pollution from 03 Polluting brands the brand audit 04 the dirty dozen

Nylon R PPE ope (398) 05 Polluting products Food Packagin (677) (84) Crisp P 2% <1% ackets (485) Dog Poo Bags (330) Face g (824) Clothing Brand 06 The potential for a Ma 3% (3,725) sks (556) 3% 4% Deposit return scheme Fishing Gear 4% Cigarette Butts (1,163) 5% Bottle Lids (727) 5% 7% Miscellaneous (5,454) 07 getting polluters to pay Bottle T 25% ops (769) 5% 32% 11% 08 Unbranded pollution (1,846) 6% Toiletries Fishing Ropes (856) 09 impact on the environment 7% Plastic - Miscellaneous 21% 18% 10 region & area trends (3,163) Paper - Miscellaneous (1,021) 9% 23% 11% Tobacco (3,892) 11 the conclusion (1,295) Wet Wipes ( Drink (3,000) Bottles 1,664) 12 our calls

21 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report UNBRANDEDEXECUTIVE POLLUTION SUMMARY

Kick the habit 2021 citizen science brand audit

Given that billions of cigarettes are sold to wholesalers report and retailers nationwide, it’s no surprise that cigarette butts are one of the highest pollutants globally. 01 Executive summary Cigarette butts are often disposed of in the environment, on streets, pavements, and other public areas, and may then 02 introduction be carried as runoff to drains and ultimately end up polluting 03 Polluting brands rivers, beaches and oceans. The butts are primarily made up of plastic filters that don’t biodegrade, the butts that aren’t 04 the dirty dozen eaten by wildlife simply pile up on shorelines or at the bottom of waterbodies. The problem extends to e-cigarettes which 05 Polluting products have more than doubled in sales over recent years. E-cigarette cartridges are single use products that contain plastic, 06 The potential for a electronic and chemical waste that also too often end up as Deposit return scheme pollutants. A survey by Keep Britain Tidy found that less than 07 getting polluters to pay half of smokers know that cigarettes contain plastic. Meanwhile one in ten smokers do not consider cigarettes to be litter and 08 Unbranded pollution another one in ten believe that they are biodegradable.15 09 impact on the environment 10 region & area trends

11 the conclusion

12 our calls

15 Tobacco industry to blame for polluted waterways and death of marine life, 1 May 2019, [online] https://ash.org.uk/ Available at: https://ash.org.uk/media-and-news/ blog/tobacco-polluted-waterways-marine-death/ [Accessed 13.07.2021]

22 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report UNBRANDED POLLUTION

When looking at branded and unbranded pollution as a whole, Figure 21 shows how it is distributed across parent categories.

Figure 21 Shows parent categories for unbranded and branded pollution from the brand audit what needs to happen now? 2021 citizen science (99) Store Brand (1,030) <1% brand audit Clothing Brand / Clothing Steps have been taken to address single-use and Health & Medical report (2,594) 4% pointless plastic over the last few years. 10% Bans have been introduced on microbeads; charges put in place on plastic bags have seen supermarket sales of single- 01 Executive summary 16% Food & Drink (12,291) use plastic bags by 95%; and most recently sale and supply of 46% 02 introduction Tobacco Product (4,215) plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds has been prohibited.16 So why can’t more be done? Further change is urgently 03 Polluting brands 25% required to further reduce single-use products and plastic production, models of reuse need to be adopted; and more of 04 the dirty dozen Miscellaneous (6,709) what is used needs to be effectively recyclable. Across Europe, more action is being taken on single-use plastics through the 05 Polluting products Single Use Plastics Directive which came into force in July 06 The potential for a 2021, and Wales and Scotland are taking the lead in the UK in Deposit return scheme adopting progressive policies that tackle single use. England risks being left behind if it does not take decisive action in 07 getting polluters to pay adopting more progressive single use plastic policies. 08 Unbranded pollution

09 impact on the environment 10 region & area trends

11 the conclusion

12 our calls

16 Consultations launched for major waste sector reforms, Defra Press Office, (25 March 2021) [online: deframedia.blog.gov.uk] Available at: deframedia.blog.gov. uk/2021/03/25/consultations- launched-for-major-waste-sector-reforms/ [Accessed 13.07.2021]

23 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report UNBRANDED POLLUTION Further change is urgently required to further reduce single-use products 2021 citizen science brand audit & plastic production report

01 Executive summary 02 introduction

03 Polluting brands

04 the dirty dozen

05 Polluting products

06 The potential for a Deposit return scheme

07 getting polluters to pay

08 Unbranded pollution

09 impact on the environment 10 region & area trends

11 the conclusion

12 our calls

24 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report impact on the return to offender

8 billion containers are Environment wasted every year that could arctic be captured by an ‘all-in’ Deposit Return Scheme.21 intruders It is estimated that 8-13 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean every year and 80% of man-made debris in the marine environment originated on land Scientists have recently discovered before being thrown, blown or washed into rivers, canals and the seas.17 microplastics embedded deep in the Arctic Ice.22

Pollutants found on the beach are often washed down rivers and drains originating from towns and cities. They can also result from industry spills, shipping containers or lost fishing gear, badly managed landfill sites and overflowing or unsheltered bins near the coast. Some have even been flushed down the loo.18 Blemished Beaches killer Approx 5,000 items of marine pollution plastic pollution have been found per mile of beach in the UK.19 100,000 marine mammals and turtles and 1 million seabirds are killed by marine plastic pollution annually.23

micro plastics

Plastic massive Pollution problem Plastics consistently make up 80% of all marine Every day, approximately 8 million debris studied.24 There may be now around 5.25 pieces of plastic pollution find trillion macro and microplastic pieces their way into the oceans.20 floating in the open ocean, weighing up to 269,000 tonnes.25

17 Deposit Return Scheme, Marine Conservation Society, [online: www.mcsuk.org] 20 Verschoor, A assisted by Herwijnen, R., Posthuma, C., Klesse, K., and Werner, S. Available at: https://www.mcsuk.org/ocean-emergency/ocean-pollution/ deposit- (2017). Assessment document of land-based inputs of microplastics in the marine return-schemes/ [Accessed 13.07.2021] environment. Environmental Impact of Human Activities Series, [online: www.ospar. 22 Kelly, A., Lannuzel, D., Rodemann, T., Meiners, K.M., Auman, H.J., (May 2020), 24 “Close the Plastic Tap” Programme, [online: www.iucn.org], Available at: https:// 18 Plastic Pollution- Facts and Figures, SAS, [online: www.sas.org.uk], Available at: org] Publication 705/2017, Available at: https://www.ospar.org/documents?v=38018 Microplastic contamination in east Antarctic sea ice, Marine Pollution Bulletin, www.iucn.org/theme/marine-and-polar/our-work/close-plastic-tap-programme https://www.sas.org.uk/our-work/plastic-pollution/plastic-pollution-facts-figures/ [Accessed: 27.06.2021]. [online: www.sciencedirect.com] Volume 154, Available at: https://www. [Accessed: 27.06.2021] [Accessed 13.07.2021] 21 What We Waste, April 2021, Reloop, [online] https://www.reloopplatform.org/ sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X20302484?via%3Dihub 25 Eriksen ,M., Lebreton, C.M.L., Carson, H.S., Thiel, M., Moore, C.J., Borerro, J.C., [Accessed: 27.06.2021] 19 Plastic Pollution- Facts and Figures, SAS, [online: www.sas.org.uk], Available at: Available at: https://www.reloopplatform.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/What-We- Galgani, F., Ryan, P.G., Reisser, J., (Dec 10, 2014), Plastic Pollution in the World’s https://www.sas.org.uk/our-work/plastic-pollution/plastic-pollution-facts-figures/ Waste-Reloop-Report-April-2021-1.pdf [Accessed 13.07.2021] 23 Facts and figures on marine pollution, [online: www.unesco.org], Available at: http:// Oceans: More than 5 Trillion Plastic Pieces Weighing over 250,000 Tons Afloat at [Accessed 13.07.2021] www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/ioc-oceans/focus-areas/rio-20-ocean/ Sea, PLoS ONE [online: journals.plos.org], 9(12): e111913, Available at: https:// blueprint-for-the-future-we-want/marine-pollution/facts-and-figures-on-marine- journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0111913 [Accessed: pollution/ [Accessed: 27.06.2021] 27.06.2021] region & area trends

Across the UK, the quantity of pollution items collected per region increased, seemingly in line with the expected engaged audience for SAS, with the majority of items being submitted in the South West and South East regions of the UK. 2021 citizen science brand audit Pollution data was collected from six location types including: Beaches, Figure 23 shows that a significant proportion of polluting packaging is Mountains, Parks, Streets and Rivers. Beaches were the most commonly found on land at locations where items can be washed down stream or report surveyed area. Figure 22 shows the number of cleans at each location down drains to the sea. type and the number of items of pollution collected at each. 01 Executive summary Figure 22 Figure 23 02 introduction Shows the number of cleans at each type of location Shows the Average number of items per clean across each location 03 Polluting brands 04 the dirty dozen ) Mountain (28) 1% 05 Polluting products Park (27) Mountain (3 06 The potential for a River O 7% River (109) (31) 8% ther (62) Deposit return scheme

10% 15% 26% 07 getting polluters to pay Beach (188) 10% 08 Unbranded pollution Other (33) (68) 58% Beach 16% 19% 09 impact on the environment 13% Street (78) 10 region & area trends (41) 18% Street 11 the conclusion Park (74) 12 our calls

26 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report REGION & AREA TRENDS Figure 24 shows proportionally, per location, which location was Figure 23 most polluted. Shows the Average number of items per clean across the UK

Over 100 items per clean Bursting beaches

75 > 100 items per clean Restrictions placed on the UK population during 50 > 74 items per clean 2021 citizen science lockdown resulted in 84% of us missing the beaches 25 > 49 items per clean and oceans according to the SAS #GenerationSea brand audit Under 25 items per clean Blueprint Survey. report

Scotland (124 items/clean) It’s not so surprising therefore to see that the recent easing of restrictions resulted in so many of us heading to the coastal 01 Executive summary environment. Unfortunately this has also served to highlight the devastation caused by pollution, evidenced by bins piled high 02 introduction

North East (121 items/clean) with trash, strewn across beaches by wildlife and wild weather Northern Ireland (24 items/clean) and further exposing the underlying nature of our disposable 03 Polluting brands society. In many instances, even when we dispose of packaging 04 the dirty dozen and waste responsibility, waste and recycling systems simply Yorkshire (35 items/clean) can’t cope with the staggering volumes of material, often North West (79 items/clean) 05 Polluting products leading to material escaping into the environment. We need deep rooted systemic change with collective responsibility of 06 The potential for a West Midlands (70 items/clean) East Midlands: (36 items/clean) industry, government and the public.26 Deposit return scheme

07 getting polluters to pay

08 Unbranded pollution Wales (114 items/clean) Eastern England (95 items/clean) 09 impact on the environment 10 region & area trends

South West (57 items/clean) 11 the conclusion South East (56 items/clean) 12 our calls

Channel Islands (10 items/clean) 26 Return To Offender Express Issue 01, (2020), SAS, [online: www.sas.org.uk], 27 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report Available at: https://www.sas.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Return-To-Offender- Express-Issue-1-1.pdf [Accessed 13.07.2021] the Conclusion

The findings presented in this report clearly highlight the systemic problem the UK faces in regards to plastic and packaging pollution. Brands, wider businesses and the government are still not doing enough to reduce packaging, switch to reuse models and enable recycling. Research on more environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic and glass bottles is progressing rapidly for 2021 citizen science a range of beverage types. Seemingly the government and producers are simply struggling to keep up in the work to mitigate the brand audit environmental harm caused by such plastic pollution. report

Turning off the Tap In 2022, a tax will be introduced on all packaging that is not made of at least 30% recycled content. As has been highlighted in chapter 01 Executive summary Despite the continued promises and commitments, we are still seeing 6, proposals are also being consulted on to introduce an extended staggering volumes of plastic and packaging pollution on beaches, 02 introduction producer responsibility scheme and implement a deposit return scheme rivers, streets and countryside. There is little change on the most (DRS) for drinks containers. polluting companies year on year with Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Co once 03 Polluting brands again filling the top two spots on the Dirty Dozen leaderboard. Alongside changes to create a more consistent collection system, these 04 the dirty dozen policies will fundamentally shift the burden of waste and its costs from It is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact this year with the public to the companies who produce polluting products. brands most associated with consumption of alcohol in outdoor recreational 05 Polluting products spaces particular influencing what is found in the environment. Whilst we The findings of this brand audit 06 The potential for a have seen considerable attention on PPE in the last year, the evidence of this Deposit return scheme brand audit shows that, whilst an emerging pollution threat, by far the most show that the introduction of plastic and packaging pollution is coming from big multinational companies. an ‘all-in’ DRS could have a 07 getting polluters to pay It is critical that the spotlight continue to shine a light on the pollution habits of companies and that the issue of newly visible polluting products isn’t used to significant impact in preventing a 08 Unbranded pollution deflect this attention or assign blame to individuals alone. considerable amount of pollution 09 impact on the environment in the environment. Reforming our Recycling 10 region & area trends & Waste System Of the items monitored from this year’s dirty dozen, it is estimated that 11 the conclusion a massive 52% could be captured through a well designed ‘all-in’ DRS Our recycling and waste systems simply can’t cope with the sheer scale including a wide range of materials. of the pollution crisis we face and needs reform. The government has 12 our calls proposed a package of policies that, if designed well together, has the potential to overhaul how waste is managed.

28 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report THE CONCLUSION

For the number one polluting company, coca-cola, responsible for 33% of branded items found, over 80% of its products could be prevented from polluting 2021 citizen science the environment with the introduction of an ‘all-in’ drs. brand audit report In July 2021, it was announced that from September 2021, all of Coca- Cola’s smaller plastic (PET) bottles made in Great Britain will contain 100% recycled content. Further comments on social media suggest 01 Executive summary that the company’s goal is for 100% recycled or renewable content 02 introduction for bottles larger than 750ml too but can’t do this without an ‘all-in’ DRS scheme as there is not enough locally available recycled plastic 03 Polluting brands to achieve this.27 An ‘all-in’ DRS is therefore absolutely essential in the shared ambition to establish a circular economy. 04 the dirty dozen

DRS have already proved successful in a number of countries in Europe 05 Polluting products with recycling rates of over 90% achieved in well-designed systems, a considerable improvement from the 70% recycling rate currently 06 The potential for a achieved for in scope items. On top of this, there is overwhelming and Deposit return scheme increased public support for an ‘all-in’ DRS scheme. 07 getting polluters to pay In 2018, 300,000 people signed Surfers Against Sewage’s petition for the introduction of an all-in DRS Scheme in the UK. Scotland became 08 Unbranded pollution the first devolved nation to commit to an ‘all-in’ DRS, including glass, 09 impact on the environment which will come into force in July 2022. It is vital that the rest of the UK adopt a consistent Deposit Return Scheme in order to achieve the best 10 region & area trends environmental and economic impacts.28 11 the conclusion 27 recycle-recover-reuse-an-update-on-our-ambition-for-a-sustainable-future, (2020), [online: www. coca-cola.co.uk], Available at: https://www.coca-cola.co.uk/sustainability/sustainability-in-great- 12 our calls britain/recycle-recover-reuse-an-update-on-our-ambition-for-a-sustainable-future [Accessed 12.07.21].

28 We Need an All-In Deposit Return Scheme Now, (2021), [online: www.sas.org.uk] Available at: https://www.sas.org.uk/depositreturnscheme/ [Accessed: 11.07.21]

29 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report THE CONCLUSION

Further delay to the introduction of an effective ‘all- in’ DRS to 2024 will 2021 citizen science only exacerbate the brand audit plastic pollution report crisis and result in a further 56 Billion 01 Executive summary containers choking 02 introduction 03 Polluting brands

the planet. 04 the dirty dozen

05 Polluting products

06 The potential for a Deposit return scheme

07 getting polluters to pay

08 Unbranded pollution

09 impact on the environment 10 region & area trends

11 the conclusion

12 our calls

30 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report THE CONCLUSION

Addressing Unbranded Items In March this year, Ministers considered extending and legislating for the EPR schemes within the Environment Bill to force the tobacco industry Unbranded items collected were a significant proportion of the pollutants to pay the full costs of disposal of their products or materials placed on across the locations identified as part of the Million Mile Clean flagship the market, including the cigarette butts. Cigarette and tobacco product week, and at 63% of the total, exceeded the number of branded items packaging should to be covered by the reforms to the packaging producer found! Of the unbranded items, cigarette butts, miscellaneous plastic and responsibility scheme, which are currently open for consultation.32 bottles were found to be the most prolific, accounting for a massive 48% of unbranded pollution, with cigarette butts accounting for almost half of this, Other unbranded items receiving considerable attention over the last 2021 citizen science making tobacco products by far the biggest pollutant of unbranded items. 18 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic fell under the PPE product type, although surprisingly this accounted for only 2.5% of all pollution brand audit Cigarette butts are found across all beaches and public spaces, with monitored through this year’s brand audit. Clearly an increase in this report many being washed down street drains into the rivers and oceans. pollutant is an emerging threat but it remains key that this should not Largely single-use plastic, the filters contain hundreds of toxic chemicals distract from the significant amount of pollution caused by companies and once smoked, persisting in the environment for many years, releasing their brands. 01 Executive summary chemicals to air, land and water and harming plant growth and wildlife.29 02 introduction The Public Health Minister Jo Churchill acknowledged that although What needs to change? smoking rates were at an all time low, “the environmental impact of 03 Polluting brands This year’s brand audit shows little change in the companies and brands smoking due to cigarette butt and package littering is still a major issue”. 30 responsible for the main items found consistently polluting over the past few 04 the dirty dozen years. It is crucial that a key focus remains on the meaningful reduction of New research published earlier this year packaging in addition to the continued adoption of reuse and refill models. 05 Polluting products indicates that cleaning up cigarette butts This requires companies to adopt different business models that reduce the currently costs local authorities in the UK 06 The potential for a plastic and packaging, focusing on a model of refill and reuse. Government around £40 million per year, rising to £46 million Deposit return scheme also needs to adopt policies that actually prevent pollution from entering when including those disposed of in public bins.31 the ocean including the introduction of an ‘all-in’ DRS now, that captures 07 getting polluters to pay all sizes of container in a wide range of materials. Continued delay to the The Government has recently announced their intention to explore introduction of an effective ‘all-in’ DRS to 2024 will only further exacerbate 08 Unbranded pollution regulatory options to ensure that the tobacco industry takes financial the plastic and packaging pollution crisis and result in a further 56 billion responsibility for the toxic pollutants resulting from all tobacco products. containers including plastic bottles, metal cans and drink cartons choking 09 impact on the environment Supported by the Department of Health and Social Care, Defra is actively the planet. It’s not too late to prevent this if the government acts now. exploring the suitability of regulatory options to reduce tobacco litter, 10 region & area trends working closely with stakeholders and ensuring that policies are developed The plastic and packaging pollution crisis still in accordance with the World Health Organisation Framework Convention 11 the conclusion needs ambitious, urgent and faster action. on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and its guidelines. No timeframe has yet been 12 our calls provided however, despite the moves to address this type of pollution.

29 Tobacco industry to blame for polluted waterways and death of marine life, (1 May 2019), [online: 32 Landmark Reforms to Boost Recycling and Fight Plastic Pollution - Press Release, DEFRA, The Rt Ohn https://ash.org.uk/], Available at: https://ash.org.uk/media-and-news/blog/tobacco-polluted- George Eustice MP and Rebecca Powl MP, (24th March 2021). [online: www.gov.uk], Available at: waterways-marine-death/ [Accessed 13.07.2021] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/landmark-reforms-to-boost-recycling-and-fight-plastic-pollution 30, 31 Government explores next step to clean up tobacco litter in England- Press Release, DEFRA, Rebecca [Accessed: 13.07.2021] 31 Pow MP and Jo Churchill MP, (30 March 2021), [online: www.gov.uk] Available at: www.gov.uk/ government-explores-next-steps-to-clean-up-tobacco-litter-in-england [Accessed: 13.07.2021] Our ambition is to end plastic pollution 2021 citizen science brand audit on UK beaches report by 2030 01 Executive summary 02 introduction

03 Polluting brands

04 the dirty dozen

05 Polluting products

06 The potential for a Deposit return scheme

07 getting polluters to pay

08 Unbranded pollution

09 impact on the environment 10 region & area trends

11 the conclusion

12 our calls

32 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report calling for we are Legislation that ensures effective resource use and

Legislation that ends the waste management production and consumption of We need to develop a circular economy which designs out waste non-essential single-use and pollution, keeping products and materials in use and actively regenerates natural systems. 2021 citizen science and polluting plastics - We need a UK wide ‘all-in’ Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) focused We need an overarching policy and legally binding targets for the brand audit around the principals of reduction, reuse and refill by 2023. elimination of plastic pollution (in all its forms) and to bring about an - report end to the manufacture, sale and use of non-essential single-use, We need an Extended Producer Responsibility scheme (EPR) that fully throwaway and polluting products. embraces ‘Polluter Pays’ principles, covering the full environmental cost - of a product throughout its life cycle, from resource extraction to recycling 01 Executive summary We need ambitious and consistent bans across the UK on all non- and incentivising business to design products for reuse and repair. essential single-use products, not just plastics, and progressive taxes and - 02 introduction charges for those items where alternatives are not currently available. We need to end the offshoring of the UKs domestic waste and develop and - invest in domestic systems which keeps this material in the loop. 03 Polluting brands We must end subsides to fossil fuel and petro-chemical companies which are responsible for the systemic over-production of plastics. 04 the dirty dozen Instead, as we build back better from the Covid-19 crisis, government needs to incentivise green industries which develop sustainable 05 Polluting products alternatives to single-use, throwaway and polluting plastics. 06 The potential for a Cultural Change Deposit return scheme across society 07 getting polluters to pay We need to encourage a shift in narrative that recognises that Business models that are ‘traditional recycling models’ don’t present the solution to the plastic 08 Unbranded pollution focused on reduction & reuse pollution crisis. We must instead focus on reduction and alternative systems. 09 impact on the environment We need businesses that produce products which are fundamentally - designed to be reused, repaired and eventually effectively recycled. We need to educate wider society that plastic pollution is a symptom 10 region & area trends - of our wider unsustainable consumer culture. All forms of single-use 11 the conclusion We need businesses, large and small, to collaborate with products and packaging contribute to this crisis. government and each other to adopt consistent polices that create - 12 our calls a level playing field and ultimately reduce waste and pollution Communities and individuals should be encouraged and empowered to across industries. reduce their plastic and waste footprints.

33 Surfers Against Sewage 2021 Citizen Science Brand Audit Report thank you volunteers 2021 citizen science brand audit Surfers Against Sewage Unit 2, Wheal Kitty Workshops, St Agnes, TR5 0RD Email: [email protected] | Telephone: 01872 553 001 | www.sas.org.uk facebook.com/SurfersAgainstSewage instagram.com/SurfersAgainstSewage twitter.com/sascampaigns

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